Cultural Lower South Island

Collect your maui motorhome and head towards Queenstown, via the picturesque scenery of the Mount Cook National Park in the heart of New Zealand’s alpine country. At 3764 metres, Mt Cook is the highest of the New Zealand’s 27 mountains over 3000 metres. It is known as Aoraki (or Aorangi, cloud piercer) by Maori. New Zealand's highest peak was named Mt Cook (after the British explorer Captain James Cook) by Captain Stokes of the survey ship HMS Acheron. Stop en route and enjoy the environment.

Queenstown is well known for its adventure tourism offerings. Today, you could spend the day exploring the far reaches of the Mt Aspiring National Park on the Dart River Safaris, operating out of Glenorchy. Or take a shorter, but no less exciting, experience on the Shotover Jet just out of Queenstown. After the ride, slow yourself down with a meander through Kapa Design Gallery in the middle of Queenstown, where you’ll find an array of Maori arts and crafts to admire or purchase.

If adventure activities aren’t really “your thing”, you could take a day excursion through the historic Kawerau Gorge toward Wanaka. There are a few wineries along the way to take your fancy. Enjoy a kai (meal) while you relax and enjoy the experience. Head back to Arrowtown and enjoy a wander around the shops and have a drink at the fork and tap.

Head south from Queenstown toward Invercargill via the Southern Scenic Route that passes through Te Anau. This route accesses the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, both worthy of a visit as your time permits.

We’re heading for Stewart Island, known as the anchor of maui’s waka. Ulvas Guided Walks gives you a unique insight, not only into the bird life of Ulva Island, but also the cultural history of this area. Your host is from here, in fact she’s named after the Island. This is your most Southern Maori tourism experience but certainly one not to miss!

As you head back to Christchurch, take the scenic route along the Catlins Coast. You won’t be disappointed as this remote area has spectacular scenery, amazing history and a number of great spots to park up and enjoy your surroundings. During this journey, you have passed through a portion of maui’s waka that is the South Island.